Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 860, Byzantine-Rus' War: A fleet of about 200 Rus' vessels sails into the Bosphorus and starts pillaging the suburbs of the Byzantine capital Constantinople. In 1778, American Revolutionary War: The British Army abandons Philadelphia. In 1915, Red Adair, American firefighter (died 2004) was born. In 1920, The Troubles in Northern Ireland (1920-1922) begin with a week of sectarian violence in Derry. In 1953, A United States Air Force C-124 crashes and burns near Tachikawa, Japan, killing 129. In 1964, Uday Hussein, Iraqi commander (died 2003) was born. In 1965, Vietnam War: The United States Air Force uses B-52 bombers to attack guerrilla fighters in South Vietnam. In 1994, The Troubles: Members of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) attack a crowded pub with assault rifles in Loughinisland, Northern Ireland. Six Catholic civilians are killed and five wounded. It was crowded with people watching the 1994 FIFA World Cup. In 2007, The Charleston Sofa Super Store fire happened in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine firefighters. In 2020, Vera Lynn, English singer who was the "Forces' Sweetheart" in World War II (born 1917) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.